First Look: Federal Premium 6.5 Creedmoor Trophy Copper

by
posted on September 1, 2017
** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **
fedl_prem_65_creedmoor_tc_f.jpg

Federal Premium's Trophy Copper line of ammunition has been a staple in the hunting industry since its introduction, so it came as no surprise when the company added a 6.5 Creedmoor offering to the stable earlier this year. Why wouldn't you add one of the industry's fastest-growing cartridges to your signature product line? Here are five things you need to know.

1. It’s joining a well-regarded family of ammunition.
Federal’s Trophy Copper line is available in more than 20 additional ads, ranging from .243. Win. to .338 Win. Mag. It’s known for its copper, polymer-tipped bullet that retains 99 percent of its weight, penetrates deep and expands consistently.

2. It packs a punch.
The Trophy Copper 6.5 Creedmoor load features a 120-grain bullet, and should provide suitable power for medium and big game. Federal lists the muzzle velocity at 2875 f.p.s.

3. It has premium features.
Like its Trophy Copper brethren, the 6.5 Creedmoor load features copper construction that can provide up to 99 percent weight retention. It has a tipped bullet cavity that’s optimized for expansion across a broad velocity range, and a grooved bullet shank provides increased accuracy.

4. It can go long.
Though it's not meant to be Federal's new Edge TLR, the 6.5 Creedmoor Trophy Copper is more than capable of reaching out and touching game animals at extended ranges. The polymer tip and boat-tail design increase the ballistic coefficient for higher downrange velocity and energy.

5. It works.
What better way to put a new cartridge to the test than to take it on a hunt? I put the new 6.5 Creedmoor Trophy Copper to work on a recent New Mexico antelope hunt, and it didn't let me down. Though we weren't able to recover the bullet, it had little trouble dropping my pronghorn at 200 yards—devastating the vitals and breaking a shoulder on the exit, to boot. Hard to argue with that.

Latest

001 TRCR26 W Cover 01 (1)
001 TRCR26 W Cover 01 (1)

Range Review: Tippmann Arms M4-22 RCR-26 .22 LR Rifle

This lightweight, competition-grade semi-automatic from Tippmann is an ideal all-around sporting rimfire.

New for 2026: Woox Elegante Stocks

The Elegante is Woox's first purpose-built bolt-action platform for both sport shooters and hunters who build or upgrade their rifle to keep and pass on for generations. While most manufacturers put chassis systems inside synthetic or mass-produced wood stocks, Woox utilizes a single hand-selected piece of hand-oiled Claro American Walnut on the outside with an aerospace-grade aluminum mini-chassis on the inside.

Recall: Stop Use Order for CVA Paramount Series Muzzleloaders

CVA is issuing a safety recall for all Paramount, Paramount HTR, Paramount Pro, and Paramount Pro V2 muzzleloading rifles. This recall pertains.

An Ode to the Double Rifle

There are few who appreciate double rifles more deeply than our regular contributor, Phil Massaro. From the guns' storied history, to their heft and utility, the double rifle has fascinated Phil for a lifetime, and he has carried them in pursuit of game at home and abroad. Read on for his tribute to the classic design.

New for 2026: Spartan Precision Equipment Valhalla Gen 2 Bipod

Spartan Precision Equipment has announced the Valhalla Gen 2 Bipod, a shooting support system engineered for exceptional stability, rapid deployment, and lightweight performance for hunters and long-range precision shooters.

D.C. Legislators Who Understand Hunting and Shooting’s Role in Conservation

Yes Virginia, there are members of U.S. Congress and the Senate who hunt, fish or participate in the shooting sports despite their Beltway jobs.

Interests



Get the best of American Hunter delivered to your inbox.